Andy Kim to Assume Senate Seat Sooner Than Expected Following George Helmy’s Resignation

Rep. Andy Kim (D-N.J.) is scheduled to join the Senate on December 9, immediately following the resignation of Sen. George Helmy (D-N.J.), allowing him to start his Senate journey ahead of time.

Having represented New Jersey’s Third Congressional District in the House since January 2019, Kim won a full six-year Senate term on November 5, defeating Republican hotelier Curtis Bashaw. He will officially be sworn in on January 3, marking a historic moment as he becomes New Jersey’s first Asian American senator and the first Korean-American senator.

Before his new role, he will serve the remaining duration of Helmy’s interim term.

Kim, who announced his resignation from the House on December 5, was previously a member of the House Armed Services and Foreign Affairs Committees, as well as the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

Additionally, he holds the distinction of being the first Asian American representative from New Jersey.

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Before his election in 2018, Kim, a Boston native, worked in the Obama administration.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy will appoint Kim to the Senate after Helmy resigns.

By joining the Senate nearly a month ahead of schedule, Kim, who is 42, will gain seniority over his recently elected peers, potentially allowing him to chair a committee sooner.

Murphy appointed Helmy, a former senior aide to the governor, to the Senate after the resignation of former Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), who stepped down in August after being convicted on corruption charges.

In a statement regarding his resignation, Helmy stated: “The voters of New Jersey made the right choice in November by electing Andy Kim as their United States Senator. Having known him for nearly a decade, I can vouch for Senator Kim’s commitment, character, and empathy towards New Jersey’s citizens.”

Helmy noted that he collaborated closely with Kim to ensure a smooth transition.

During his short tenure of 85 days in the Senate, Helmy served on the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee; the Senate Finance Committee; and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Both Murphy and Kim acknowledged Helmy’s contributions.

“In the past three months, Senator Helmy has worked across party lines to tackle our nation’s youth mental health crisis, pushed key federal funding initiatives for our state, and provided excellent constituent services,” Murphy commented on December 3.

“Senator Helmy has consistently stepped up to serve New Jersey throughout his career, and we are thankful for his continued service during this crucial time,” Kim added in his remarks.

“His time in the Senate demonstrated dedication and stability. He served the people of New Jersey admirably and highlighted critical issues like the youth mental health crisis, which I also intend to address,” Kim remarked.

Helmy, the son of Egyptian immigrants to New Jersey, made history as the first Coptic Orthodox Christian to serve in the Senate.

Prior to his Senate appointment, Helmy held positions as chief of staff to Murphy, worked in the private sector, served as a commissioner for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and was state director for former Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) as well as a constituent advocate for former Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.).

The Associated Press contributed to this report.